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PORT PERRY STAR -- August 27, 1985 -- 11 ; Rain doesn't dampen enthusiasm Story and Photos by Cathy Robb Stormy skies did their best to threaten. but didn't manage to put a damper on 1985's Blackstock Fair Only once, on Saturday around noon, did it actually rain; and the 2,500 or so fair-goers were left dry but muddy to enjoy the wide variety of events. Fair president Linda McLaughlin was more than pleased with the attendance, about 60 per cent of last year's (which was the highest to date) -- not bad. con- sidering the weather . "It was an excellent fair," she enthused "Everything went off very smoothly. All the new events we tried worked out really well." One of the highlights of the fair was the bale rolling competition, new this year replacing the traditional bed race. Ten or so teams of three took part in the race, including Councillors Harvey Graham, John Wolters and Mayor Jerry Taylor, who beat out a team of young upstart Junior Farmers to take first place. The Showstompers, a demonstration team from the Ontario Rhythm Cloggers, were another top-rated event, packing people into the arena to watch their special brand of dancing to bluegrass and country tunes. The rain actually worked in favour of Friday night's demolition derby, coating the track and participants with thick layers of muck. "Apparently the derby is better when it's muddy than when it's dry," Mrs. McLaughlin laughed. Even the parade and livestock events were unhindered by the rain, with lots of entries in each contest. "It turned out well, all in all," the fair's first woman president reported. It sure could have been a lot worse." * f Yous iH Four year old Troy Mappin fell in love ting Farm at the Blackstock Fair. The on Saturday with Snuffles, an adorable friendship was mutual, we're told. donkey on display at Old MacDonald's Pet- The Blackstock Fair is always a real family affair. Just ask this happy trio, enjoying a spin on the merry-go-round. i------ Look closely at this picture. See anything unusual. Either this horse likes fo drool or he just brushed his teeth. Children look on in awe as a cigarette chomping en- transfer sled. The sludgy track made the pull difficult, try in the ATV pull prepares to pull the heavy weight but even more fun to watch.